Opening statements were scheduled to begin today in Judge Greg Stephens’ courtroom, but Powell instead pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful sexual conduct with a minor, a third-degree felony that carries a maximum sentence of 60 months in prison. The remaining charges were dismissed.
Powell has been free since shortly after his arrest on Sept. 20, 2018 on $405,000 bond. The judge ordered him taken into custody today and set sentencing for Feb. 4.
INITIAL STORY
More than a year after his arrest, the trial for a Middletown man accused of sexually assaulting a girl for years in a neighboring city began Monday in Butler County Common Pleas Court.
William L. Powell, 70, of the 1300 block of Oxford State Road, was arrested Sept. 20, 2018 and later indicted by a Butler County grand jury for three counts of rape, gross sexual imposition, two counts of unlawful sexual conduct with a minor and contributing to the unruliness or delinquency of a minor.
The alleged victim reported sexual abuse beginning at age 10 and continuing until she was 18. The woman is now an adult. Powell is free after posting a $405,000 bond in September 2018.
The trial began Monday afternoon with jury selection in Judge Greg Stephens’ courtroom. About 60 prospective jurors were called for voir dire. The trial is expected to last five days
According to Trenton police, the alleged victim and her mother had reported the abuse to another officer and returned to the Trenton police station on Sept. 18, 2018 for an interview with him. A controlled call was placed by the mother to Powell with a detective recording the conversation.
The judge ruled last year that statements Powell made to police could be used at trial.
MORE: Butler County woman suffers gunshot wound
Two other accusers also came forward, according to Trenton police. But Assistant Butler County Prosecutor Kelly Heile said there was a statute of limitations issue, and the indictment pertains to just one victim.
The indictment states the crimes occurred between 2004 and 2012.
Defense attorney Michael Brush said after his client’s arraignment in 2018 that his client is not guilty. He also said Powell is a veteran, served as a paramedic with a life squad and has no criminal record.
MORE: Fairfield police seeking 2 people from incident at White Castle
About the Author
